The Monte Carlo Affair: Across A Crowded Room (IATO Series Book 2) (12 page)

“I’m relieved. Believe it or not, I was thinking that no matter what, the world feels safer just knowing the nanochip technology is out of El Marat’s hands.”

“The weapons can’t operate properly without the codes, and the ones they are going to get from Mosel’s contact are fake. The only other person with the real codes, Professor Rankin, is back in US jurisdiction. The recovery team brought him out of Riyadh right after the kidnappers demanded an outrageous ransom. Instead of paying the ransom, the Special Forces extraction unit went in after him.”

What was her sacrifice, compared to removing the danger of madmen with nuclear arms from the world? Her sacrifice was the possibility that she would totally lose her heart to this man all over again.

“Don’t count your chickens. I’m not going to feel safe until we have you back at headquarters for debriefing.”

He’d talk to her later about the details of that and the personal side to their assignment. As far as she knew, he hadn’t shared any other details with anyone. Emily fidgeted. “Speaking of feeling safe, I have something to tell you. I don’t know what it means, and I know you’re going to be upset, but Kincaid is here. You can’t afford to let him see you.”

Jason whirled on her. His normally deep blue eyes went totally black as he glared at her, disbelief written on his face. “What are you talking about? Where is he?”

Emily told him about spotting the senator and hiding from the guards before he got back. “It’s why I held your face to mine. Jason, he can’t see you.”

“Or us, together,” Jason growled. “I have to get you out of here tonight—without him seeing either of us.”

Chapter Eleven

They’d stalled out in the garden long enough, each lost in their own thoughts. Now, the time for this evening’s final act had come. The time was just barely past nine o’clock. Their departure would be obvious.

“We have to get going.” Jason seemed almost apologetic. “Look, you have to find Kate and warn her about Kincaid. She can be our eyes. He’d never recognize her after all this time.”

“You wait here and I’ll send Jorge back out for you once we find out where Kincaid is.”

“Look what I’ve done to your dress. Sorry.” His voice softened, “Can you straighten yourself up a little?” He grabbed pieces of her tattered dress, trying to help, unsuccessfully piecing them together.

She pushed his hands away until he backed off.

“Please—try to hold that dress together. Looking disheveled will confirm everyone’s ideas, but I don’t think you need to flash so much skin. Mosel will get the gist of where we’re at in our relationship without seeing it for himself.” He turned away from her to check the surrounding area for anyone who might be watching. “And I certainly don’t want the rest of the team getting a glimpse of—uhm—all that.”

He emphasized what he referred to by dragging his gaze thoroughly over her body. Her face flamed, thinking of what the team may have seen. He chucked her under her chin. “I know you’re embarrassed, just remember that
femme fatale
attitude you were carrying around a while ago.”

“Okay.”

“Tell Kate and Jorge when we get out of here, I’m taking you home to finish this or continue this, whichever you think best. They know what to do tomorrow. Tonight, they seem sufficiently preoccupied with each other.”

She held onto her dress, clutching the torn pieces together and nodded.

“But, no matter what, we have to get out of here without Kincaid seeing either one of us.”

“I understand.”

“Just find Jorge, and make sure Kate locates Kincaid. Try to act as if you’re up for more. Remember you’re totally infatuated with me in case Mosel or one of his goons is eavesdropping. Once the coast is clear, I’ll make my excuses to my group, set up tomorrow with Jacqueline and meet you at the stairs.” Jason worried about getting out with the right people noticing. And no one else.

It was a well-known fact that Mosel supplied the weapons to the terrorists in Eastern Europe. If Emily and Jason completed the scam they set up, Mosel would end up having to make contact with his American associate. He was going to get played against the Middle Eastern group by Jason’s team. For years, Jason suspected the contact responsible for Avery’s death had something to do with the terrorists and the agency. Now he was sure Kincaid had something to do with it, too. Future politics aside, Kincaid had no reason to be running with the Mediterranean jet-setters. Specifically with ties this close to a major arms dealer with direct terrorist contacts. His connection with the sub-committee financing arms made Jason even more suspicious.

What was really going on? All this was too coincidental to write off. He only hoped his suspicions were wrong—because if he was right, if Kincaid was involved, it would tie Jason to Avery’s death. He didn’t think he could stand feeling any more responsible.

“Emily are you okay with this?”

* * * *

No, she wasn’t. How did she feel about Mosel? He was somehow involved with her father’s death, but how? She wasn’t ready to face him, and she couldn’t believe he was one of the bad guys. Confused as she was, she didn’t want him hurt. He could be so damn charming. Sometimes, she had seen him as cold as ice. But never with her. He’d been a friend, a friend who wanted more. He fancied himself a ladies’ man and appreciated other men of his caliber, but had the competitive games finally gone too far?

Tonight he would see Jason’s conquest and have to concede his loss. But Emily knew he was going to be disappointed, not just over the loss to Jason, but in her. Her behavior would disappoint him.

Once he’d acknowledged Emily’s attraction to Jason tonight, he’d backed off because he owed Jason his life. He had been pursuing her with undaunted fervor and, she’d purposely led him on. Now, he’d conceded to Jason, even if it was only temporary.

The expression on his face as she stood at the entrance to the French doors spoke volumes. Her appearance was indicative of her behavior. If Mosel’s guards hadn’t already reported in, her appearance said it all. His expression portrayed a mixture of desire, anger, and worry. She could see it all in his eyes.

* * * *

Mosel was angry. Emily’s clothing practically fell from her body, and what a body it was. For a moment, he allowed his rampaging hormones loose. His pulse beat, his loins grew heavy with desire, and he didn’t hide the evidence of his arousal as the woman emerged alone and watched his reaction.

Jason had saved his life, he was his guest and an important contact for Mosel, so tonight Jason would have his way. But that didn’t change how much Mosel wanted her—the fresh, sweet Emily. Except for his own reputation, Jason’s was unmatched at seduction, and he wasn’t one for lasting relationships. Neither was Mosel, but Emily seemed like a woman who expected commitment.

Her pouting lips were swollen, her naturally pale skin flush with her recent lust. Mosel was furious at Jason for beating him at his own game, but there was more to his feelings. He desired Emily more than ever. Then a grin stole across his lips. He smiled openly. Jason would show his true face soon enough with Emily, and then, when he was out of the picture, Mosel would pick up Emily’s broken pieces. He could be her friend, be supportive, play the part of the confidante. Or perhaps he had moved too slowly, played the conservative lover too well, been too much of a gentleman. Maybe she wanted to be swept off her feet as DesJardin had done. Mosel could be whatever was necessary to win her.

* * * *

She tore her gaze from Mosel’s, shading her gaze with her lowered lashes, and made her way across the room to Kate. She stood a short distance from the doors, but the walk seemed interminable. She held Kate’s hand and explained. Kate trembled when she mentioned Kincaid. Her fear couldn’t be disguised, but her face never gave away her feelings. She smiled at Emily, lifting her eyes and started casually searching the ballroom. A moment later, she said something to Jorge and he nodded. Kate grabbed Emily and they went to the garden doors.

“Jason,” Kate whispered, “Come on in. Jorge is going to keep Kincaid busy in the cigar bar while you guys make your excuses to Mosel.”

“Thanks, Kate. Stay away from him.” He gave her a firm directive.

Surprisingly, she had nothing to say. As Emily watched him take charge, she hardly believed he was the boy she grew up with.

Kate’s face was pale as he ran a soothing thumb across her chin. “After we’re gone, get out. Don’t let him see you, Kate, hear me?”

She nodded like a zombie.

“Tomorrow’s plans are still on.”

Emily wondered what frightened everyone so much about Kincaid. She knew his name came up several times in her cross-referenced database, but why did he have the effect he did with Kate? And with Jason?

* * * *

Jason caught Mosel’s expression. He stepped fully into the room with his arm around Emily and ran a hand through his hair—it smoothed well enough. He growled now, pulled her into his embrace, and grabbed another quick, harder kiss as they passed through the French doors. Jason released her, looked up, and cocked an eyebrow in Mosel’s direction. The message was clear. He got there first. Tough luck.

He played a dangerous game, establishing his dominance and his possession. He branded her and flaunted it in Mosel’s face. Mosel would back off for the time being, but Jason hoped Emily would be able to handle him after this. His kiss had been a taunt and a claim. He was afraid she’d be annoyed. Instead, her mouth sizzled under his lips.

Jason was pleased to see the kiss had the desired effect. Emily blushed, and appeared apologetic regarding her state and intentions. Mosel kept an appropriate distance, watching intently, but not approaching. He would be discreet, ignoring her uneasiness.

Jason reminded her, “He’ll get over it. But I’m warning you, you better be very careful.”

Moments later, playing her part well, Kate just laughed at Emily’s discomfort, chiding her about her good fortune to snag a keeper her first time out, and a rich, handsome one at that. She quietly asked if the other good-looking East German, chomping to get at her, would be willing to part with her when the time came.

Emily shook her head. “I don’t know. He’ll have to.”

Jason thought the part played out well, because Emily’s discomfort was genuine. Although Kate knew she’d be used as a ruse tomorrow when they’d all meet at the hotel restaurant, she didn’t know why. Jason would tell his little foster sister later when they were safely back in the US.

Looking down at Emily’s hair, he affectionately reached over and tried to push some of it out of her face so he could kiss her again, gently this time. Touching his lips to hers, he murmured into her mouth, “Get your purse. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

While he went to make their excuses, Emily snatched her purse and headed for the stairs. She kept her head down until she located him. He was apparently having a difficult time prying free of a blonde attached to two huge breasts. Emily felt a twist in her stomach and a pang of resentment toward the woman draped around Jason like a boa constrictor. She wanted to rip her off the man she loved.
Loved? Oh, no, not again. What have I done?

She stood, shocked, unconcerned with the bimbo anymore. Only the sudden realization concerned her now. How often had she tried to be as aloof, professional, and detached as Jason managed? In the past, whenever they were together, she worked at it. It hadn’t been easy with her feelings for Jason mired in the past. He was a brother, a friend, a lover, a promise, a pain, an ache, and now her boss.
Great! How can I ever get “aloof” back?

Emily cringed with the revelation.

The blonde seemed resolute to keep Jason with her, and Emily didn’t miss Jason’s determined effort to extricate himself from her grasp. While he pried himself loose, the blonde followed his glance to the stairs where Emily waited.

Her expression turned on Emily and went dark. The reason for Jason’s sudden departure struck home. As an afterthought, Jason bent over Jacqueline’s neck and whispered in her ear. She smiled a slow, sexy smile.

Mosel politely shook hands with him and nodded without comment before Jason turned back to join Emily. A giggle bubbled into her throat. Her emotions were all over the place. It was maddening, insulting, and exciting. Her sense of female independence warred with her inner woman—the one that wanted to be dominated and captivated. Ugh, she was so disgusted with herself.

With a calm that surprised her, Emily accepted that she’d definitely made an enemy of the blonde and possibly Mosel, too. She’d never been the object of anyone’s jealousy, or the subject of interest for two such attractive men. Even if it was a farce, there was no way she could make eye contact with Mosel. She chanced a glare at the blonde, who now stared at her like she knew something Emily didn’t. An ugly, suspicious thought rose to the surface. She sneered at Jason as he approached. “Your date?”

“No, just part of the group I came with.” Jason grimaced, shifting the direction of Emily’s attack. “What’s Mosel’s keen interest in you? Is there more I should know?”

“Not that I know.”

“We do this all the time, and it’s never been like this. He seems to care. You were only supposed to whet his appetite, finagle an invite to this charity thing and another back in the US, not bring the man to his knees. He looks like he’s been kicked in the balls.”

“I guess I’m more irresistible than you thought.” She felt smug. “He thinks I’m smart and cute, and he likes me.”

“I think your lack of clothing the other day on the yacht could be the cause. We already discussed that beach thing, that silk cover-up you never even took out of the bag. And I already told you, I saw everything the other night on the yacht—before it blew up. Your definition and mine of letting him kiss you, are very different. You were playing with fire and enjoying it.” He rubbed his hands over his face.

“Why shouldn’t I enjoy my part?”

“That man is deadly, extremely dangerous. Be very careful playing games with him!”

She glanced at her gown. “Uh, more dangerous than playing with you?” She regretted the comment before it was out of her mouth. He looked thunderstruck, but said nothing. “Let’s just get out of here before we’re spotted.” Remembering the danger if Kincaid spotted Jason, she encouraged him to the door.

“This way,” he muttered and led her through a maze of corridors.

Emily didn’t let the conversation about the blonde drop. “I guess she had other intentions for finishing up tonight.”

“She’s nothing to me, no one. If there were ideas about tonight, they were all on her part. I’m working, remember?”

Working?
How could she forget? Emily wondered why he bothered explaining. He certainly didn’t owe her an explanation, but when he seemed uncomfortable about the bimbo, she began to enjoy herself at his expense.
             
“Obviously. My appearance and our departure put her nose out of joint.” She couldn’t remember ever feeling like this. Powerful.